The Four A's of Fiber: "Remember the four A’s of fiber: apples, artichokes, apricots, and avocados. "

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Not All Carbs are Created Equal

Although all carbohydrates are composed of sugar, not all sugar is the same. The two types are simple sugars, short chains and complex sugars or starches, long chains. Traditionally, simple sugars are considered unhealthy. Found at the top of the Food guide pyramid, they were to be eaten sparingly. Starchy foods, such as bread, rice and potatoes were considered healthy. As the base of the pyramid, they were to be our staple. Unfortunately, if the starchy food has been refined or stripped of fiber and nutrients, it acts more like a simple sugar in our digestion process. Quickly being digested and spiking our blood sugar, causing a quick burst of energy, followed by the inevitable low.

Choose healthy carbs, such as fruits and veggies as much as possible. Supplement you diet with whole grains which are high in fiber and low in fat. “White’ carbs, for example, white breads, cakes, white flour and sugar should be limited. Healthy foods are full of color and texture. Bland color foods typically are quickly absorbed in our bodies and contain a less amount of nutrients per serving.